Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

·         To equip students with knowledge, understanding and skills in Modern History.

·         To develop an understanding of the value of history both as an area of study and a tool for analysing the contemporary world by fostering critical, creative and independent thinking and a sensitive and disciplined approach to the subject

·         To stimulate students' enthusiasm for history through the deployment of cutting-edge teaching technologies and pedagogies designed to encourage student engagement.

·         To foster, enhance and advance students' personal development through a range of individual and team based learning activities.

·         To develop competence and practical skills which are transferable to a wide range of professions and careers as well as life experiences.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

• QAA Subject Benchmarking Statement – History   

• Framework for Higher Education Qualifications  

• Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services, Careers Education Benchmark Statement

•  University Learning and Teaching Strategy

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

1.    the idea of academic disciplines as dynamic, plural and contested; developed within the broader framework of the social sciences and humanities;

2.    the potential applications of concepts within a broader critical framework;

3.    the main methodologies used in the analysis and interpretation of texts, other sources and data;

4.    past societies and historical processes over a chronological and geographical range, encompassing the modern history of Britain, Europe, and the World;

5.    the use of primary evidence in historical argument;

6.    History as an academic discipline, its schools of interpretations, and the variety of methodological approaches and theoretical foundations.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

1.    demonstrate knowledge of cultural, political and social difference, through the analysis of the past;

2.    abstract and synthesise information in order to discuss changes in ways of thinking, cultural practices and behaviours over time;

3.    assess the merits of contrasting theories, explanations and arguments;

4.    critically evaluate and interpret a range of evidence, including texts, oral histories, visual materials other virtual sources and data;

5.    critically assess the construction of history as a political, cultural and social practice;

6.    appreciate the complexities and diversity of past events and mentalities;

7.    show a critical awareness of the problems inherent in historical sources and in interpreting the past.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

1.    locate and retrieve information using a variety of research methods;

2.    select, combine, and interpret different types of source material;

3.    recognise and critically debate moral and ethical issues underpinning particular debates or enquiries;

4.    deploy bibliographic skills, including accuracy in the citation of sources and the use of proper conventions in the presentation of scholarly work

5.    present cogent and persuasive arguments in oral, written and practical form;

6.    undertake independent learning and research.

c. Key transferable skills:

1. undertake problem-solving and decision-making;

2. develop a reasoned argument;

3. solve problems with imagination and creativity;

4. communicate effectively in speech and writing;

5. work individually and in collaboration with others, demonstrating initiative and self-management;

6. use information and communication technologies for the retrieval and presentation of information.

4. Programme structure

History

This is a three-year long full-time degree programme.  In each of the three parts (years) of the degree (A, B and C), students take modules amounting to 120 credits with a minimum modular weight of 50 credits in each Semester, taking into account compulsory, optional and elective modules.

In addition, students have the opportunity to undertake a Placement Year (Part I) after Part B.

Important Note: No module may be taken and passed more than once.  Optional module availability is subject to timetabling constraints and optional modules may be subject to change.

Part A – Introductory Modules

The split of credits between Semesters in this Part will typically be 60:60  

(i) Compulsory Modules (total modular weight 80 Credits)

(ii) Other Modules (total modular weight 40 Credits)

Students must choose either Route A or Route B

Route A

Semester One – Students should note that module PIA802 is compulsory

(iii) Route B

Students should note that module PIA801 is compulsory

Part B – Degree Modules

EITHER

(a) Standard Route

(i) Compulsory Modules (total modular weight 20 Credits)

(ii) Optional Modules (total modular weight 100 Credits)

In addition to the compulsory modules PIB735 and PIB800, students must choose a minimum modular weight of 80 Credits in Group 1 modules over Semesters 1 and 2, and the remaining 20 Credits may come from Groups 1 or 2. Choices of modules from Group 2 will be subject to satisfying any pre-requisites set out in individual module specifications.

Group 1

Group 2

OR

(b) International Semester Route

Students may replace the modules required for Part B Semester 2 with an approved course of study taught in English at a foreign University.  In Semester 2, students will undertake assessed work equivalent to 50 credits, as required by Politics and International Studies, along with a Distance Learning Research Design module. Students who opt for this route must ensure that they have selected a total of 60 Credits in Semester 1.

(i) Compulsory Modules (total modular weight 70 Credits)

(ii) Optional Modules (total modular weight 50 Credits)

In addition to the compulsory modules PIB735, PIB001 and PIB801, students may choose a minimum modular weight of 40 Credits in Group 1 modules in Semester 1, and the remaining 10 Credits from Groups 1 or 2. Choices of modules from Group 2 will be subject to satisfying any pre-requisites set out in individual module specifications.

Group 1

Group 2

Part I

Students will undertake one of the following approved study and/or work placements leading to the Diploma in International Studies (DIntS) or Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS) in accordance with Regulation XI.

Part C – Degree Modules

(i) Compulsory Module (total modular weight 40 Credits)

(ii) Optional Modules (total modular weight 80 Credits)

In addition to the compulsory module PIC800,students must choose a minimum modular weight of 60 Credits from Group 1 modules over Semesters 1 and 2.  The remaining 20 Credits may be chosen from Groups 1 or 2. Choices of modules from Group 2 will be subject to satisfying any pre-requisites set out in individual module specifications.

Group 1

Group 2

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

5.1 In order to progress from Part A to Part B, from Part B to C, and to be eligible for the award of an Honours degree, candidates must not only satisfy the minimum credit requirements set out in Regulation XX but also achieve a module mark of at least 30% in all modules in each Part.

5.2 Provision will be made in accordance with Regulation XX for candidates who have the right of reassessment in any Part of the programme to undergo re-assessment in the University's special assessment period.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification

Candidates' final degree classification will be determined on the basis of their performance in degree level Module Assessments in Parts B and C. The percentage mark for each Part will be combined in the ratio Part B 40%, Part C 60% to determine the final programme percentage mark.